Travel — Page 2

Appreciating Home

August 29, 2012 by Michelle 12 Comments

I’m home!

After a very uneventful (the plane even left on time!) trip home I arrived back in Orlando this morning. Oddly enough, flying didn’t even bother me this time. I usually (internally) flip out before a flight and today it was seriously no big deal. Maybe I’m turning a corner? Or maybe it’s because I couldn’t wait to get home and see these crazies…

BL$

I won’t bore you to tears with details of my trip — but I will tell you that I was there for training (that yes, I actually got a lot out of) and I killed a cockroach. Like, 100% smashed that motherf*cker. You could say it was a highlight of the trip {I hate cockroaches more than almost any other insect – in the hierarchy, wasps/bees are #1}.

I was trying to think of any other business trip (or any trip in general) that I’ve been on where I traveled by myself — and none come to mind. While a coworker joined me for the training (thankfully!), she lives in the area and I was on my own in the evenings. I quickly realized that traveling by yourself is fun for about 5 hours and then it’s just super lame. Or maybe I’m just codependent?

Thankfully, because of the delay on Sunday, the first night I was there I just passed out. As for Monday night, well, I was excited to go shopping! I don’t remember the last time I REALLY went shopping by myself. Sure, I’ll pop into stores every now and then and look around – but I’m usually on a time crunch or I’m usually with one/both of the store destroyers. Do you KNOW how much fun hiding in expensive clothes is? My kids can tell you (for some reason they never hide in the sales racks). So basically, on Monday I went shopping.

I ALMOST bought this dress. Now I wish I had. And yes, I am wondering why I am posting this picture or why I even took it.

I lucked out at LOFT, I struck at about 15 other places. Woomp woomp.

Then, I ate dinner at California Pizza Kitchen (it was that or the food court) — where, in a half empty restaurant, the hostess put me at a table between 2 families with young kids. Do I have MOM written all over my face or what?? I didn’t mind, really. If anything it just made me miss my kids — and also wonder why there were at the mall on a Monday night at 8pm. Not to judge, but my kids were in BED. Maybe I’m the crazy one though.

Then last night, I had good intentions (after the workout I totally didn’t want to do, but I forced myself to do because I posted about it) to grab a burger and a few glasses of wine — but then some kind of weird rain storm hit (it just poured buckets for HOURS) and it all went down hill.

I picked the wrong time to go to dinner. #fail

I waited forever to leave (and also, ate a cookie), and when I realized it wasn’t going to let up, I made for a run for it. I looked like a drown rat at dinner. Instead of the burger, I opted for a Ruby Tuesday salad (those croutons are just hard to resist!) and one glass of wine. Lame-ola. Now I kinda wish I had opted to go see a movie or something!

Thankfully, I am back tonight. With, flowers, shrimp tacos, happy kids, and a new appreciation for home.

Flowers from the hubby -- just for coming back home :)

There is just nowhere I’d rather be.

Have you traveled by yourself? Would you? (and where would you go?)

From St. Louis to Pizza…What a Weekend

August 12, 2012 by Michelle 5 Comments

I’m pretty sure I say, “What a weekend!” every weekend – but seriously, this was quite a weekend!

It started on Friday, in St. Louis.

I was there for a whole 20 hours and managed to squeeze in some sleep (some being the key word), an intense workout, a 6+ hour meeting, a Peruvian lunch, and some sight seeing.

Dear St. Louis, I loved your weather. Please send it to Orlando soon.

Yuca fries…Yum.

After our meeting ended, I walked with some of my cohorts over to The Gateway Arch– the largest man-made monument in the US. This is as close as I will ever go to going up it. #afraidofheights

We also checked out the Mississippi River — it’s so small here! I’ve driven over it at a point where it was a mile wide.

And then headed to the airport. Whew. To say I was tired would be an understatement.

You can tell I’m not REALLY sleeping because my mouth isn’t hanging open and I’m not drooling/snoring.

My flight was delayed AGAIN, and the airport was packed so I enjoyed a dinner of wine and crackers. At least I did not have a stressful flight home!

Saturday was packed as well. After L’s dance class, I drove over to my dad’s place in Indian Habour Beach. My dad and his girlfriend graciously watched the kids for the night. The timing was perfect because I stayed for about a half hour and then headed BACK to Orlando to help Jackie Jovi set up for Katy’s baby shower!

And let me tell you — this mama-to-be was DEFINITELY showered! Baby Girl Widrick is one lucky lady. Katy looked really hot too 🙂

Side note: I think it’s funny that we all took pictures of Katy opening the door for us. Here’s an action shot — lol.

The shower was really fun, especially because I got to catch up with Christine, Julie, Andrea, and Meghann (and of course Katy and Jackie). One thing I’ve realized over the past year is that the BEST part about blogging is the friends I’ve made from it!

It was also awesome because I WON the “Guess the Celebrity” game! I mixed up Lucas and Justin Timberlake (and really — wouldn’t you :)??) but got the other 14 correct. I don’t really know if I should be proud of this skill, but I got some free candy out of it!

I wish I could say that the hubby and I had a fantastic date night after the shower, but I was full, tired, cranky, and just didn’t feel social. So we drove all the way downtown, turned back around, and headed home. So lame.

We did take advantage of being child free though, and slept in until 9:30 today. 9:30! Sleep, glorious sleep! How I missed you!! We also just lounged around and did nothing (I watched the marathon, he watched the basketball game) for a few hours. Now I remember what I did before I had kids! NOTHING!

After spin, we headed back to the beach to get those locos. While they were there they learned how to do magic and gamble. L can now tell you what a 9 of spades looks like. That’s how my dad rolls.

By the way, my dad is totally a kid at heart.

On the way home, we celebrated the end of the summer (school starts next week!) and the end of my crazy week with some pizza from Milano’s.

Now it’s time to watch the Olympics Closing Ceremony. So sad they are over…but all good things must come to an end! I’m ready to go to bed early (well, earlier) again.

My Breaking Bad, Legoland, No Running Weekend

July 16, 2012 by Michelle 8 Comments

I’m feeling kind out of it today. I had a really hard time concentrating at work. I would catch myself just staring out into nothingness. Do you ever do that? No – just me? Yeah, I am still in the weekend zone. And how could I not be? I had such a great weekend and I’m not 100% ready to admit that it’s over.

Friday night we watched a gazillion episodes of Breaking Bad. We’re still behind – but almost into Season 3. I just want to give Jesse a big freaking hug. {Aaron Paul needs to have kids stat — too adorable}

Saturday morning I was supposed to get up and run. I had my stuff all laid out. My iPod was charged. And…I apparently turned my alarm off at some point during the night. FAIL.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to work out – the kids had an 8am swim lesson, followed by L’s ballet/tap class. Then we were off…

Legoland Florida was calling our name!

This trip was partially a birthday present and partially a reward for good behavior for B. He loved it. I can’t say that it was my favorite theme park, but it did have some good moments. We got there around 1 and spent about 5-6 hours there. It was enough for me.

For starters, it was hot. I know, I too was shocked that it was hot and humid at a theme park in the middle of JULY. Seriously guys – what were we thinking? I guess I thought more of the park/rides would be covered — but nope. They were mostly out in the open.

Another disappointment for me was the height range on the rides. While B could go on almost every ride (the park is perfect for kids ages 6-12), L was too short for the majority of them (she’s 37 inches – the requirement for many rides was 40). She spent a lot of time hanging on the sidelines, which is too bad because she is my dare devil child.

It wasn’t all bad though – and I would go bad (and we will definitely visit their water park!). There were a few pluses:
1. The food was very reasonably priced and they had a lot of healthy options. This is rare for a theme park. Guess it made up for those ticket prices!
2. There were Lego stations (and hand sanitizer) at most of the lines and restaurants. At least L had fun while she was hanging out.
3. Miniland was AMAZING. There were over 30 million Legos that took over 2 years to build. I could have spent hours checking out all of the details. The kids were mesmerized too.

The kids give it a little bit of perspective!

How many of those places can you name??

Oh – before we left we tried a new (to us) treat — Apple Fries.

In theory, they were a good idea, but they lacked some sweetness and just made me really hungry for some apple pie.

After the long trek home and dinner at Sweet Tomatoes we decided that we are not cut out to do a Disney Vacation of any sorts. We were exhausted!

So, I did what any exhausted, sane person would do — I set the alarm AGAIN for 5:45 so I could wake up and run. And I actually got up! I put on my running gear and I was “this close” to putting on my sneakers – when the hubby got an emergency work call. DOH! Another FAIL. At least there was effort! Instead I killed my sense of smell and probably a few brain cells by cleaning my bathroom (and rest of my house, but the bathroom was the worst) and then later hit up spin class at the gym.

(dedicated to Melissa)

So, I had a run-free weekend. I don’t recommend it.

One thing I do recommend, however, is inviting your family and close friends to celebrate your 6-year old.

There was pizza, Carvel ice cream cake, cupcakes, sangria, and an electric guitar (which B inherited. Anyone want to start a band?).

Perfect way to end the weekend! Now that reality has hit, however, I’m looking forward to getting in some mileage this week. I miss running!!

Can you play an instrument? I play piano — and I use the term “play” loosely.

San Francisco/Sonoma Vacation Recap – Days 3, 4 & 5

May 17, 2012 by Michelle 9 Comments

I pretty much already recapped Vacation Day 3, but felt the need to remind you of how pretty the views were in Sonoma. *sigh*

But in case you didn’t read the recap (and don’t feel like clicking the link) we basically woke up, ate breakfast with my mom, aunt/uncle, and a few cousins, and then went and hung out with my (other) cousins. It was relaxing and full of wine. What else can you ask for?

On Day 4 (aka our last full day in Cali) we woke up and said goodbye to said cousins. *sniff* Once we finally got our act together we packed up and headed to the breakfast restaurant of my choice. I actually almost forgot that it was also Mother’s Day! We headed to Sunflower Cafe in downtown Sonoma.

It was perfect! There was no wait, I had a GIANT mimosa, and ate an asparagus/goat cheese omelet with potatoes. Perfect!

(Did I mention it was in the high 50s? Brr)

Actually, everyone enjoyed their food.

After breakfast we hit the road.

And headed back to San Francisco. See you later Sonoma! You exceeded my expectations.

After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge we found the California Academy of Sciences.

I didn’t do much research on San Francisco – but I KNEW I wanted to go here. It’s a planetarium, an aquarium, and a biosphere in one. Plus is has a living roof!

I knew the kids would dig it – and they did.

We spent 4-5 hours enthralled by science, animals, plants, and insects.

(this reminded me of Lost. Anyone else?)

Oh look, alligators and cypress trees. Wonder where they have those?

(I took this picture for you Jackie)

While the aquarium and planetarium were cool, my favorite part was definitely the 4-story rainforest. You walk (up a ramp) from the forest floor, through the understory and canopy layers up to the emergent layer.There are different birds and at least 100 butterflies (and different types) fluttering all over the place (several of them landed on me).

They also (surprisingly) had a really great cafeteria (I had some pork dish with vermicelli rice noodles with some kind of Asian flare) that wasn’t super expensive. So rare to find that here in tourist world!

The last thing we did before we left was check out the roof. It was brief (kids were getting a little nutty), but really interesting (they do a lot of different types of research on the roof – so it’s like an outdoor science lab) and there were some pretty views.

We then headed back to the hotel (same one we originally stayed at – Landing Bay!), checked in, and lounged. For dinner we decided on something VERY classy…

In-n-Out Burger

(why didn’t anyone warm me about the mayo sauce on the burger??)

Honestly, I didn’t get the hype, although the prices were really good!

The kids were sweet and spent the last night of the trip like this…

instead of fighting (umm, for the most part). Happy Mother’s Day to me!!

Sadly, on Day 5 our trip ended. Boo!! After another hotel breakfast, we headed to the San Francisco Airport and I braved myself for another 8 hours of flying. Our trip ended up being about 12 hours in total (from leaving the hotel – to arriving home) and while we were all exhausted, it was completely uneventful. Thank goodness for technology!! It makes traveling with kids SO EASY.

All in all — a great GREAT trip! I am so glad (and truly thankful) that I FINALLY got to visit the great state of California — and I seriously cannot wait to go back!!

San Francisco/Sonoma Vacation – Day 2 {The Wedding}

May 15, 2012 by Michelle 16 Comments

Friday morning started bright and early and with a free breakfast at the hotel. After eating, we headed to my cousins’ rental so the kids could play with their cousin and I could go running with mine! It’s pretty much the only exercise I got on this trip, unless you include lifting my arm to drink wine. I did plenty of that too!

Our little running group did a 5.4 mile loop around the area and through the Gundlach Bundschu vineyards. I wish I had brought my camera with me because it was SO BEAUTIFUL. <– are you tired of me saying this yet?

GunBun

(source)

I ran down this. Of course, I ran up some steep roads to get here first!

We finished in 50 something minutes and I honestly wish I had more time to run this route again. But, you know, wine called. We all had a great time running – and it made me wish (yet again) that I lived closer to these guys.

runcrew

(courtesy, aka stolen, from my cousin Jen’s FB page)

After the run, we headed back to the hotel where I got ready for the wedding (all but my dress) – and then headed over to the bridal suite, over at B.R. Cohn, so that L could get her hair done.

Besides the flights, the thing I was MOST nervous about trip was this hair appointment. L barely sits still for me — so I questioned her ability to stay seated and cooperate. And it turns out… she proved me wrong.

She was a CHAMP and loved EVERY minute of it.

After her hair – it was time for the bride to get ready. Isn’t her hair and makeup beautiful?

While everyone was getting ready we Oo’d and Aah’d over the flowers.

Amazing, I mean AMAZING job done by Nancy Liu Chin

L and I then slipped into our dresses and then stood out front of the winery as watchmen — waiting for the groom…

There he is!

Ben and Christina did a “first look” (which I have yet to see) and then took almost all of their pictures before the wedding. They wanted to celebrate with their guests who all flew out to be with them on their special day!

L and I hung out in the bridal suite while everyone took pictures – it was fun spying on them.

When they finished they joined us to cool off (it was a good 90 degrees out that day – if not hotter) and enjoyed some wine.

I have known these “boys” for 12+ years now. How are they all grown up?

After some last minute touch ups – L and I left with the groomsmen and headed to the hill.

While we waited for the girls, we enjoyed some refreshments (Christina left out NO detail!).

After about 10-15 minutes the ceremony started. Everyone looked lovely!

Ben, when he saw Christina coming down the aisle.

I was focused on this little lady…

I actually completely missed the flowers girls until the end. Rumor has it, L picked up some rocks on the way. That’s my girl.

The ceremony was short, but sweet. There were a few tears (from me) and laughter (the happy couple).

And just like that – they were married!

We posed for a few family pictures…

and then headed up to cocktail hour.

Followed by dinner and checking out the surroundings…

My brother, AJ, was the best man and gave a heartfelt and humorous speech

and cake cutting (and other desserts!)

How cute are these cupcakes?

Then there was dancing…

And more dancing…

Ok, and yeah, a lot of drinking.

We finished the night dancing to Hey Jude and then got on the PARTY BUS (which took US back to the hotel – I’m pretty sure everyone else kept partying).

It was an absolutely beautiful day, celebrating two wonderful people. Congrats to Ben and Christina! May your lives together be full of health, happiness, and love <3

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